    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 12, 2004]
    [Page 2971]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement Between the United States of America and the United
    Kingdom Concerning the Middle East Peace Process
    November 12, 2004

        The United States and the United Kingdom share a vision of freedom,
    peace, and democracy for the Broader Middle East. That vision must
    include a just and peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict,
    based on two democratic states--Israel and Palestine--living side by
    side in peace and security. Now is the time to seize the opportunity of
    new circumstances in the region to redouble our efforts to achieve this
    goal. This will require a series of steps which we look forward to
    taking with our international partners and the parties.
        First, we re-commit to the overarching two-state vision set out by
    President Bush in his statement of June 24, 2002 and repeated in the
    Roadmap.
        Second, we will support the Palestinians as they choose a new
    President within the next sixty days and as they embark upon an
    electoral process that will lead to lasting democratic institutions.
        Third, following that, the President and the Prime Minister have agreed to mobilize international support
    behind a plan to ensure that the Palestinians have the political,
    economic, and security infrastructure they need to create a viable
    state. There will be no lasting solution without a Palestinian state
    that is democratic and free, including free press, free speech, an open
    political process, and religious tolerance. Such a state will need a
    credible and unified security structure capable of providing security
    for the Palestinians and fighting terrorism. There must also be
    effective economic development and transparent financial structures
    which provide for the economic and social needs of the Palestinian
    people. The plan will be developed intensively over the coming period of
    time in concert with all the relevant partners.
        Fourth, we endorse and support the disengagement plan of Prime
    Minister Sharon from Gaza and stipulated parts
    of the West Bank as part of this overall plan.
        Fifth, these steps lay the basis for more rapid progress on the
    Roadmap as a reliable guide leading to final status negotiations.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.